Landlords are calling for more initiatives to be implemented to protect their rights and increase tenants’ financial responsibility, revealed the latest data from Leaders Romans Group (LRG).
The firm’s latest study — which surveyed 630 landlords and 595 tenants to gauge their opinions around the Renters Reform Bill and the changing legislation — showed that 70% of respondents would like to see tenants’ arrears tracked to impact their credit rating, in order to make them accountable for their financial obligations and benefit those tenants who do not miss payments.
Around 45% of landlords who participated in the survey are also in favour of a tenant register, so landlords could be aware of future issues up front.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents are also advocating for landlord cases to be fast-tracked in court, while 42% want to see a separate dedicated court for the rental sector.
According to the study, tenants have also expressed the same views about court reforms, with nearly half of them agreeing that fast-tracking cases in court would help them.
LRG’s report also revealed that 62% of landlords intend to maintain or increase their portfolio over the next year.
When asked about their biggest concerns about the bill, the majority of landlord respondents cited the proposed change regarding pets, and the abolition of section 21 — 56% of landlord participants said the proposed change regarding pets would be negative, while 54% believed the section 21 abolition would negatively affect them.
Allison Thompson, national lettings managing director at LRG, commented: “Although there are some substantial changes in the private rented sector, both political and financial, the so-called landlord exodus is being overstated – as this research demonstrates.
“Yes, there are some significant issues with the Renters (Reform) Bill, but LRG and others have been actively involved in shaping this legislation so that it is fairer on landlords — who, after all, are the mainstay of the property industry and depended upon by government to provide homes to some of those most in need.
“As local authority housing waiting lists continue to increase, I hope that the government will reflect on landlords’ vital role and take their views into account as the legislation passes through Parliament.”
